Buying a CCTV Camera Kit For Home
CCTV acts as a deterrent to burglars, and if a crime does occur, the footage can be used in court. Look for cameras that can run on battery power in case of a power outage.
Choose a camera that provides clear image quality and can distinguish between people, cars, and items. Also, consider the ability to use an app on your smartphone to monitor your home remotely.
Video Resolution
One of the most critical aspects to consider when buying a home security camera kit is the resolution. You want your high def security cameras to record clear and crisp footage day and night, so you can identify license plates or intruders. The higher the resolution, the better the video quality.
The resolution of a high definition security camera is determined by the number of horizontal and vertical television lines (TVL) that make up an image. The standard resolution for a high definition security camera is 1080p. However, some models have a higher resolution that is up to four times better at 1440p or 4K.
Along with resolution, the frame rate of your high definition security camera plays a role in video quality as well. While resolution decides how many pixels make up an image, frame rate determines how often the camera will capture images to create a video clip. A higher frame rate creates smoother footage and allows you to zoom into the picture without the image disintegrating.
Field of View
A security camera’s field of view is a measurement of its ability to monitor a space. It’s influenced by the lens size, mounting height and location in the room. A wider lens or sensor produces a larger FOV, but it may lose detail.
Look for a wide-angle lens that can cover a large area without distortion. If you want a more focused view, consider a telephoto lens. This provides better image quality but may require a higher mount.
The best home security cameras offer a combination of features. These include a motion detection system and two-way talk. Some have a siren or floodlight that scares off poe security camera system criminals and helps to deter crime before it happens. Other features include geofencing, Alexa compatibility and advanced motion detection. These systems help you keep an eye on your home and property even when you’re away. They can also alert you to suspicious activity and send a live video feed to your mobile device. They’re ideal for monitoring your front porch or other outdoor spaces. They can also record and store data in an NVR.
Motion Detection
Many security cameras send alerts when they detect motion. Choose one with a wide field of view to capture more action, or pick a camera with smart detection that differentiates people, pets, and vehicles. Some models can also recognize faces, recognizing familiar people over time.
For extra peace of mind, consider a home security camera with a built-in siren and a floodlight to scare intruders away and illuminate suspicious cctv camera kit for home activity. Swann’s floodlight security cameras, for example, include a camera with color night vision and a 180o field of view, plus two-way talk and a siren to deter crime.
Look for a home security camera with smart integrations to make it easier to integrate into your overall smart home ecosystem. The majority of cameras work with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, as well as Z-Wave, Apple HomeKit, IFTTT, and more. However, some require a subscription to access the most advanced features. If you care about privacy, opt for a model that lets you store footage locally rather than uploading it to a cloud server where it’s vulnerable to hacks and privacy violations.
Two-Way Talk
The best security cameras offer two-way talk capabilities. These allow you to communicate with people who approach the camera and may even deter them from coming any closer.
Wired audio security cameras transfer audio data via the same cable that transports video while wireless video security cameras transmit it over WiFi. Some also support mute, which disables the audio output from the speaker.
Most of the best indoor security cameras with two-way talk include speakers that project a loud, clear sound. They also have the ability to trigger a 105-decibel siren when they detect activity nearby. This feature can help homeowners safely converse with delivery people and others who come to the door without opening it or scaring away unwanted visitors.
While two-way talk is not necessary for all security needs, it can be a useful feature when shopping for indoor and outdoor security cameras. For instance, you can install an indoor two-way audio security camera in the doorway or porch to safely instruct delivery people on where to place packages. You can also use an outdoor two-way talk security camera to monitor your driveway and spot any suspicious cars.
Storage
The best home security cameras have a MicroSD slot to record footage locally without a monthly subscription. Others save video on a central server. Those that have local storage typically have a cheaper price tag and are easier to install.
Look for a camera that has the capabilities you need at an affordable price. Several established brands like Wyze, eufy and GE offer inexpensive cameras that feature HD resolution, motion detection, two-way talk and smart home integrations. Some have a built-in siren, and some have a floodlight that can be activated via voice commands or the app to ward off intruders.
For a more comprehensive system, check out the Swann Pro Series. It features three 1080p cameras with color night vision, heat detection, motion-activated dual spotlights and a 2-way speaker. The monitor displays livestreaming footage, and you can arm or disarm the system using voice commands with Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa. It also has a 1-TB DVR that can store weeks of rolling, 24/7 videos, and it supports expansion storage with disk drives.